Guided Meditation Primer

Have you wanted to start a guided meditation practice, but are not sure how to get started? Are you new to meditation? The advantage of guided meditation sessions is you just focus on the instructor as you learn the discipline of taming your mind.

When starting, you'll want to choose between a guided meditation class or an at-home session led by a guided meditation CD. Some meditation programs are focused on a specific purpose, such as smoking cessation or losing weight, where as some are general meditation guides.

If you go to a guided meditation class, you’ll have the advantage of seeing how others practice. You'll learn important things like what positions are best for sitting for long periods of time. You’ll also learn discipline because the group setting will make it less likely that you’ll give up partway through a session. You’ll also have the advantage of seeing your guide and learning some about his or her practice.

If you buy a guided meditation CD, make sure it's at least a half hour long (an hour is better). You’ll be instructed to choose a quiet spot where you will not be interrupted. Once the CD gets going, close your eyes, settle into a position that will be comfortable but in which you can stay alert, and focus on the guide's voice.

Work your way through the breathing exercises, giving your breath your full attention. The guide will help you get deeper into a meditative state by describing imagery or telling a storyline that will help you follow along. Follow the guide through thoughts regarding the issue you wish to change or the path of acceptance, whatever the instructor's message is. The instructor will finally gently bring you back to a fully conscious state, readying you for your daily situations.

You may find that guided meditation is just what you need--a stress relief tool and bad habit extinguisher, all in one.